1 Day Golden Monkey Trek and Mutanda Starting Point: Kisoro

Golden Monkey Tracking

1-Day Golden Monkey Trek & Lake Mutanda Tour

Starting Point: Kisoro, Uganda

Looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience in just one day? Embark on a 1-day Golden Monkey trek combined with a scenic visit to Lake Mutanda, starting from the charming border town of Kisoro in southwestern Uganda.

This short yet adventure-filled excursion takes you deep into the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the only park in Uganda where golden monkey trekking is possible. These rare and playful primates, endemic to the Virunga Mountains, are a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests.

Why Choose Kisoro as Your Starting Point?

Kisoro is ideally located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, offering quick access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the nearby Lake Mutanda. Whether you’re staying in Kisoro town or around Lake Mutanda, this 1-day tour offers convenience, breathtaking views, and rich primate encounters, all in a single day.

Itinerary: 1-Day Golden Monkey Trek in Mgahinga

6:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up
A Kamere Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel or lodge in Kisoro town. If you’re staying at Ichumbi Hotel, Ikoro Hotel, or Ikaze Cottages, your guide will meet you there and transfer you to the park.

Travel tip: Staying near Lake Mutanda? Let us know in advance, and we’ll arrange a pickup from your lodge.

7:00 AM – Arrive at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a short briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on safety guidelines and what to expect during the trek.

8:00 AM – Begin the Golden Monkey Trek
After the briefing, you’ll begin your guided trek into the montane bamboo forest in search of the golden monkeys. These energetic and photogenic primates live in social groups of up to 60 and are a joy to watch as they forage, play, and swing through the trees.

Important Note: You are allowed one full hour with the golden monkeys once you locate them. Cameras are allowed, but no flash photography is permitted.

11:00 AM – Return to Trailhead & Drive Back
After the magical hour with the golden monkeys, you’ll trek back to the starting point, meet your driver, and begin your journey back to Kisoro. Expect to return to your lodge by early afternoon.

Optional Add-On: Lake Mutanda Visit

If you’d like to extend your day, we can arrange a scenic tour to Lake Mutanda – a stunning lava-dammed lake nestled among volcanoes. Enjoy a canoe ride, take panoramic photos, or simply relax by the shore before returning to Kisoro.

Alternative Option: 1-Day Gorilla Trekking from Kisoro

Interested in seeing mountain gorillas instead? Kamere Tours also offers a 1-day gorilla trekking experience from Kisoro to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga. Contact us for a custom itinerary.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable hiking boots

  • Long-sleeved clothing

  • A face mask (for preventing airborne disease transmission)

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Camera (no flash)

  • Drinking water & light snacks

  • A small backpack

  • Sunscreen & insect repellent

Booking & Contact

Ready for your golden encounter?

📞 WhatsApp: +256 776 360 824
Email: kameretours@gmail.com | info@kameretours.com

Kamere Tours – Discover Uganda’s primates, lakes, and landscapes with ease and expertise.

Tour Consultant

Request for a Quote

Start planning your adventure trip today with a professional expert available to help you 24/7. Encounter Africa on your own terms.

WhatsApp +256 776 360824

Inquire Now
Visa Entry

Visa Entry

Uganda offers online visa applications, but many travelers find it easier to pay (US$100) and obtain a visa upon arrival at points like Entebbe International Airport. For travel into Rwanda and Kenya, it's recommended to apply for an East African Visa.

Read More About Visas